If Hollywood is betting on "King Kong" (IMDb listing) to save its box-office, then the
entertainment industry is doomed. Universal's new multi-gazillion dollar
blockbuster, "King Kong," directed by Peter Jackson, is a dud of
gargantuan porportions. Though Adrien Brody is quite charismatic as
playwright Jack Driscoll and Naomi Watts is beautiful as rising star Ann
Darrow, the film falls flat because it relies more on special effects than on
story.

Some of the special effects were realistic, but most look cartoony and
nowhere near as seamless as that of "Chronicles of Narnia." It's so
unrealistic, in fact, it takes away from the film because you know you're
watching a computer animated scene vs. believing you're actually on Skull
Island. I was sure a sleestack was going to pop up at any minute and the
Krofft logo soon behind it.

Clocking in at 3 hours and 7 minutes, the film is at least an hour too
long. Chase scenes drag on forever and the lack of dialogue in scenes where
blank stares are supposed to get you through are almost excruciatingly
painful to endure.

Jack Black is totally miscast as producer Carl Denham and Colin Hanks is in
a nowhere role as his assistant, Preston. I'm not sure if Black was trying
to be his comedic self or play it serious, but he didn't pull it off either
way. If you're wondering who Jimmy the stowaway is on the ship, that's
Jamie Bell of "Billy Elliott" fame, all grown up. Kyle Chandler does a
hilarious turn as the narcissistic actor, Bruce Baxter. More screen time
should have been paid to Captain Englehorn played by Thomas Kretschmann and
Lumpy the Cook is none other than Andy Serkis, who is also Kong in the movie
and better known as Gollum from the "Lord of the Rings" films.

Jackson reportedly lost more than 70 pounds over the course of making this film.
He may lose even more once the box office receipts are in on this one.